So what do you think about Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper? I've talked to some cops on the street, and they like what they're hearing.

Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper better not see you breaking the law, or else.

Roper is making the department more professional, they say. But they're expected to be more aggressive, too, they say. Another change the street cop likes is that Roper wants to keep experience in Birmingham. (Read our editorial here.) For too long, Birmingham chiefs haven't done enough to stop the talent drain. The better officers headed off to higher-paying jobs in the suburbs. Now, Roper is working hard to get experienced cops to come back to Birmingham. Who knows how successful he'll be, but give the new chief credit for trying something different. There's no overnight cure for Birmingham's crime problem, but Roper is changing things pretty quickly.

Now, it'd be nice to hear from some law enforcement types about Roper and his leadership. Also, has anyone in Birmingham noticed better policing?